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What is microlearning?
Microlearning is a popular technique that is mainly used to teach small learning elements or short-time learning activities which are small parts of a more enormous component. The materials used in microlearning are simple, brief, and quickly delivered. Additionally, it usually takes 5-15 minutes to teach or learn an objective.
Microlearning gets help from various materials and here are frequently used microlearning materials:
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Images,
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Videos,
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Audio,
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Texts,
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Infographics,
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Tests and quizzes,
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Games.
It is possible to see these materials almost everywhere since learners can be more engaged during the learning process because of their entertaining quality.
Microlearning examples are widespread because, in the age of technology, it is one of the best ways to spread information. A short public service ad informing about what to do during an earthquake or a social media account teaching daily phrases in a foreign language are some microlearning examples that we see but are mostly not aware of.
What is macrolearning?
Macrolearning refers to the process of teaching and learning a complex subject in detail. Macrolearning teaches the learning element as a whole and focuses on the bigger picture instead of breaking it into small pieces. The learning process takes time and effort to completely grasp the learning objective.
Macrolearning is what people call traditional learning nowadays. It uses lengthy and time-consuming lesson materials such as:
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Detailed books,
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Notes,
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Exercises, etc.
The learners need to work hard to focus on and understand the lesson for a while. That is why learners should channel their attention to the right source to avoid engagement problems.
Macrolearning usually takes place in physical learning environments but remote learning can use macrolearning, too. Education taking place in classrooms and courses are macrolearning examples that we see often. For instance, taking literature lessons in higher education or learning design in a course are some macrolearning examples.
What is the difference between microlearning and macrolearning?
Microlearning and macrolearning are not completely unconnected but major differences exist. According to their usage and learner profile, each difference can be an advantage or a disadvantage.
Here are some key differences between microlearning and macrolearning:
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Learning goal: As the words, micro and macro suggest, learning materials and how they are handled are different. While microlearning focuses on short learning objectives, macrolearning focuses on complex and lengthy subject matters.
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Learning environment: Microlearning heavily depends on the internet while macrolearning mostly occurs in physical learning environments. Microlearning uses different online platforms and tools to achieve successful learning outcomes so it is not limited to a single place. Macrolearning, on the other hand, uses traditional methods to teach in traditional physical learning environments.
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Need for a trainer: One of the most important differences between macrolearning and microlearning is the need for a trainer or a teacher. With microlearning, a teacher is not always required. Learners can easily understand small and brief information segments. However, macrolearning deals with very complex matters, and a trainer or a teacher usually leads the learners.
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Cost of education: Affordability is a significant factor in learning. Since macrolearning focuses on complicated subjects and needs detailed physical materials most of the time, it may become costly for some learners. However, microlearning utilizes the internet and e-learning platforms and it does not need costly physical materials to teach the subject.
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Preparatory stage: Another important difference between microlearning and macrolearning is that microlearning does not require instructors to make preparations for hours. Since the subject and learning period is short, preparation is also short. However, macrolearning needs both instructors and learners to make detailed preparation for the next session.
What are the benefits of microlearning?
Easily understandable destination
Learning in small and easy steps is one of the best microlearning benefits that make many learners choose microlearning over macrolearning. Microlearning allows learning bite-sized information in multiple but tiny steps with a clear destination. This way, learners know what they will learn and this becomes a source of motivation.
Delivered fast and simply
As mentioned, microlearning does not take a lot of time to teach a lesson material. When the lesson materials to deliver the information are small and easy, the delivery becomes fast and simple as well. This type of delivery does not bore and tire learners and motivates them to work harder to learn more effectively.
Less time consuming
Microlearning is profitable for learners, trainers, and teachers. Since microlearning focuses on short topics or smaller parts of a bigger subject, the learning and teaching period for both sides does not take a long time. Thus, people with less time wanting to learn something new or develop a skill will learn whatever they want and will still have time to do other activities.
Easily accessible
Accessibility is one of the microlearning benefits making microlearning more attractive to learners. Since microlearning uses the internet intensely, it is not limited to one single place. Learners can learn whatever they want on their computers, mobile phones, or other devices.
Fun and diverse materials
The fun microlearning provides may even be the best microlearning benefit among others. The diverse materials that online platforms offer will keep students interested in the topic. Lots of platforms produce interesting tools, such as gamification tools, intending to boost the efficiency of the training or lesson.
It is estimated that 75% of the workforce will be members of the millennial generation by 2025. Thus, using technology and having fun during learning is highly important, especially for the millennials and Gen Z. Teachers and trainers prioritize using technology to the fullest since these two generations know how to use technology well and microlearning allows that.
Higher learner engagement
As learner engagement increases, the success of a training or lesson increases as well. With the opportunities microlearning offers, learners will benefit more from their courses or training and still have fun. When learners have fun, they tend to remember the information more and feel more ambitious to learn and develop themselves.
Effortlessly produced materials
The biggest source for microlearning materials is the internet and in the vastness of the internet, it is possible to find the right platforms to create lesson materials. You often don't even need to be a member of a new platform to take advantage of Microlearning. They are everywhere, including social media.
Technology improves continuously and developers find ways to create better tools. Now, trainers and teachers can create materials easily, and then, with course flow features, they can arrange them smoothly.
More economic
It is important to have economic options while learning something new. As microlearning uses technology and the internet a lot, it is more economic to learn with digital materials rather than paying for expensive books. Moreover, some platforms allow recording the course or training so companies and schools do not have to hire multiple instructors.
What are the benefits of macrolearning?
Perfect for complex topics
Let’s imagine that a person wants to learn German and master it. German is a very complex language and requires years of dedication and hard work to truly master it. As a result, macrolearning is the best way to learn it in detail. It is still possible to integrate microlearning into macrolearning but using only microlearning will never be enough to master a subject.
In-depth information
Macrolearning likes to go deep and bring out all the details about a subject. With the materials macrolearning uses such as books, notes, exercises, etc., learners do not learn the information shallowly. At the end of a course, learners can claim that they mastered that skill or course.
A chance to advance in the subject
By getting a long-term detailed education and lots of practice, learners can achieve great things. After the intense information learners get, it is easy to say that they truly advanced a language or software or successfully passed an important level.
More opportunities to practice and get experience
As mentioned, macrolearning requires a long period of study. During this period, macrolearning makes a special time for exercise. As a result of this intense practice, learners can strengthen their knowledge and improve their skills even more. Practice makes learners grasp the information even better and prevents forgetting.
Learning with a guide
Sometimes learners can get lost during the learning process and it is natural. However, it is important to have someone who will help you find answers and bring a flashlight to brighten the path. Since macrolearning requires a good instructor, learners can easily get help, necessary explanations, and even encouragement!
Which one is a better option for learners and instructors?
The problem of choosing the best learning style depends on the needs of the training or lesson. It is important to analyze the level of learners and the subject matter well.
In terms of affordability, flexibility, higher learner engagement, and availability, microlearning seems to be a better option. But it only works well when it is possible to teach the subject matter shortly.
When the subject is too complex to be taught without an instructor’s help and an in-depth teaching method, it is wise to consider choosing macrolearning. It is possible to carry macrolearning to virtual classroom platforms as well so it is still wise to integrate microlearning into macrolearning. However, using only microlearning will not be helpful in this scenario.
In a nutshell
Microlearning and macrolearning are still in use and are pretty trendy techniques despite having many differences between them. Both are very useful depending on the purpose of the training or lesson.
Microlearning benefits may make people think that it is the best option, as the recent favorite of our age. However, people have used macrolearning for a long time, and it is still effective in some cases so a blended learning style can be even more effective if possible.
As a virtual classroom tool that is suitable both for macrolearning and microlearning, Perculus is the key to well-balanced and blended learning. Check out Perculus for more information!
